On the 24th of August, 1842, the French corvette "Embuscade," Captain Mallet, arrived at Honolulu, having been sent to investigate complaints of the violation of the Laplace Convention, chiefly relating to local school matters. Having received an able and courteous reply to his demands, he informed the king that Admiral Du Petit Thouars might be expected the next spring to settle these matters. THE CESSION TO LORD PAULET. The dispatch of the embassy to Europe and the visit of Captain Mallet both served to bring to a head the designs of Mr. Charlton, the British consul. He suddenly left for London, leaving Alexander Simpson as acting consul, in order to defeat the objects of the embassy. In consequence of their representations, H. B. M. frigate "Carysford," commanded by George Paulet, was ordered to Honolulu, arriving there February 10, 1843. On the arrival of the king from Lahaina, Lord Paulet sent him six demands, threatening war if they were not acceded to by 4 p. m. of the next day. These demands chiefly related to a fraudulent land claim of Charlton's, and to decisions of the courts in certain civil suits between foreigners. Before the hour set for hostilities had arrived, the king acceded to the demands under protest, and appealed to the British Government for damages. But a fresh series of demands having been made, and claims for damages having been trumped up amounting to $80,000, the king decided, by Dr. Judd's advice, to forestall the intended seizure of the Islands by a provisional cession, pending an appeal to the justice of the home government. The act of cession was carried into effect February 25th, 1843. The British flag took the place of the Hawaiian for five months, and a body of native troops was organized and drilled by British officers. The country was meanwhile governed by a mixed commission consisting of Lord Paulet, Lieutenant Frere, a Mr. Mackay and Dr. Judd. [Illustration: OAHU COLLEGE.] [Illustration: PAUAHI HALL, OAHU COLLEGE.] THE RESTORATION. On being informed of these events, Admiral Thomas, Commander-in-Chief of H. B. M.'s naval forces in the Pacific ocean, immediately sailed from Valparaiso for the Islands, arriving at Honolulu July 25th, 1843. He immediately issued a proclamation, declaring in the name of his government that he did not accept of the provisional cession of the Hawaiian Islands, and on the 31st restored the national flag with impressive ceremonies. His course was fully approved of by the home government, and certainly tended to exalt the reputation of his country for justice and magnanimity in dealing with inferior races. THE RECOGNITION OF HAWAIIAN INDEPENDENCE.